Picross puzzles look like square grids with numbers at the top and on the left side. Each number tells you that groups of black squares exist in that column or row. For example, columns with five on top mean that there is one square in that column, which means that there are groups of those black squares.
If you have always wanted to solve Picross puzzles, there are certain techniques that you need to use to successfully solve these puzzles. Below are some strategies that you can use when playing picross puzzles.
Color Picross Tips
Color Picross is similar to regular Picross, but the only difference is the empty boxes between similar colors. Whenever you solve these puzzles, keep this in mind. Look for numerical values with similar colors near each other. This will help you find Xs, which will lead you to all the squares.
Mega Picross Tips
Solving this type of puzzle takes a lot of time. However, you don't need to guess because you can apply logic to solve these puzzles.
You have to spin the square several times if you are dealing with large numbers. For example, when a large two is present, the first square is on the initial line and the other on the next line. Similarly, if the three is large, you create a piece at the corner. This aspect represents two horizontal and two vertical squares.
You will get lowercase clues from lowercase numbers that have no digits. In cases where mega-numbers and single numbers are combined, mark the square with an X if it has any connection to an arrow with no single number. This technique comes in handy when you're looking for lowercase numbers in columns of rows with large numbers, and it works well for boxes with Xs.
X's are important because they can draw potential squares for large numbers. Assume that the boxes on the edges are full and continue to count them as you process larger numerical values. When you get to the narrow area that contains X's, you are allowed to fill in the squares while counting them.
General Picross Tips and Tricks
1. Always make sure you make a mark that allows you to circle to identify the places that can work. This allows you to eliminate the places where the blocks are not and not where they are. If you have marked all the remaining potential locations, you have marked the actual empty spaces. This method makes it easier to separate connected lines of potential blocks.
2. Start with the large numerical values. You have the option of working with the horizontal lines first and starting with the larger numbers or crossing the line that intersects it vertically and solving the puzzles.
3. Use X's. Placing X's is a good way to show your skills while solving the puzzles. Look for changes that show potential locations, such as complete numbers, and use the Xs to frame.
Conclusion
Hopefully these strategies will help you become a pro at solving picross puzzles. Keep practicing, and you'll surely get good at these games.